30 years later, 'Ghostbusters' scares up laughs with rerelease

Updated 10:28 am, Wednesday, September 3, 2014

In this month in "feeling old," the original "Ghostbusters" movie turned 30 a couple of years ago.

It premiered June 7, 1984 and spent seven weeks at the top of the American box office.

In this month in "feeling old," the original "Ghostbusters" movie turned 30 a couple of years ago.

It premiered June 7, 1984 and spent seven weeks at the top of the American box office.

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty

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The film was written by co-stars Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, with uncredited contributions from another star in the film, Rick Moranis, according to IMDB.

It was directed by Ivan Reitman, who has also directed "Stripes," "Twins," "Kindergarten Cop" and "No Strings Attached," among several others. Reitman also contributed his voice to Slimer and Gozer's minion, Zuul. less

The film was written by co-stars Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, with uncredited contributions from another star in the film, Rick Moranis, according to IMDB.

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis were all alumni of the famous Chicago-based improv comedy theater, The Second City. Murray and Aykroyd were also "Saturday Night Live" cast members.

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis were all alumni of the famous Chicago-based improv comedy theater, The Second City. Murray and Aykroyd were also "Saturday Night Live" cast members.

Photo: Columbia Pictures, Getty

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Aykroyd's original premise for "Ghostbusters" was a story set in the future, featuring three men in SWAT gear fighting ghosts with wands. However, with a $25 million budget and a 12-month production schedule, Ramis and Reitman changed the script to make it fit within financial and time constraints. less

Aykroyd's original premise for "Ghostbusters" was a story set in the future, featuring three men in SWAT gear fighting ghosts with wands. However, with a $25 million budget and a 12-month production schedule, ... more

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty

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After getting his start in the Second City improv comedy troupe, Bill Murray -- Dr. Peter Venkman -- joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1977 for its second season after Chevy Chase departed. He went on to star in comedic movies such as "Stripes," "Caddyshack" and "Tootsie."

Murray agreed to play Peter Venkman as long as Columbia Pictures financed the dramatic movie he co-wrote, "The Razor's Edge."

The role of Venkman was originally written for John Belushi, who died before the movie was made. Michael Keaton and Chevy Chase also turned down the role. less

After getting his start in the Second City improv comedy troupe, Bill Murray -- Dr. Peter Venkman -- joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1977 for its second season after Chevy Chase departed. He went on ... more

Photo: NBC, Getty

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After "The Razor's Edge" flopped in theaters, Murray took four years off from acting to study philosophy and history at the Sorbonne in Paris and spent time with his family in the Hudson River Valley.

He ultimately returned and found hits with "What About Bob?" and "Groundhog Day."

His career has seen a recent resurgence with films like "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou," "Rushmore," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Charlie's Angels" and "Lost in Translation." less

After "The Razor's Edge" flopped in theaters, Murray took four years off from acting to study philosophy and history at the Sorbonne in Paris and spent time with his family in the Hudson River Valley.

Canadian-American Dan Aykroyd, also a Second City alum, was an original cast member of "Saturday Night Live." He became famous for impersonations of Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon and Julia Child, in addition to playing one of the "Wild and Crazy Guys" Czech Brothers with Steve Martin and the father of the Coneheads family.

He was also one of the "Blues Brothers" with John Belushi.

His interest in parapsychology inspired him to write "Ghostbusters," in which he starred as Dr. Raymond Stantz. less

Canadian-American Dan Aykroyd, also a Second City alum, was an original cast member of "Saturday Night Live." He became famous for impersonations of Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon and Julia Child, in addition to ... more

Photo: Warner Bros., Getty

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Aykroyd went on to become the second "SNL" alum to earn an Academy Award nod, having been nominated for best supporting actor in 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy."

He has since seen off-and-on success with movies and TV. He continues to tour with the modern incarnation of the Blues Brothers.

Aykroyd has co-written a "Ghostbusters III" sequel with Ivan Reitman on board as a producer. However, casting is uncertain with Harold Ramis' recent death and Bill Murray having publicly derided the idea of another sequel. It is rumored that baby Oscar from "Ghostbusters II" will be strapping on a proton pack -- or whatever the modern ghost-subduing weapon might be.

After co-writing the 1978 cult hit "National Lampoon's Animal House," he co-wrote the comedy "Meatballs," which starred Murray in his first film. Ramis' third film-writing credit and directorial debut was "Caddyshack." He also co-wrote "Stripes" and directed the original "National Lampoon's Vacation."

In the making of "Ghostbusters," actors considered to play Egon included Christopher Walken, John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd and Jeff Goldblum. less

Ramis went on to write and direct "Groundhog Day," which he considered his masterpiece. He also wrote and directed "Analyze This" and "Analyze That."

He also directed four episodes of "The Office." On the acting ... more

Photo: Jonathan Daniel, Getty

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Ramis developed an infection in 2010 that resulted in complications from autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis. He lost the ability to walk. After relearning to walk, he relapsed in late 2011. He died of complications of the disease in February 2014 at 69 years old. less

Ramis developed an infection in 2010 that resulted in complications from autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis. He lost the ability to walk. After relearning to walk, he relapsed in late 2011. He died of ... more

Photo: Daniel Zuchnik, Getty

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Ernie Hudson -- Winston Zeddmore -- spent a short stint in the U.S. Marine Corps before becoming a playwright. He later graduated from Yale School of Drama.

He went on to make guest appearances in several TV shows, such as "Fantasy Island," "Taxi," "The A-Team," "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Diff'rent Strokes" (he is pictured here in "Bosom Buddies.")

"Ghostbusters" offered him his breakout role as Winston. The role was written for Eddie Murphy, who turned it down. less

Ernie Hudson -- Winston Zeddmore -- spent a short stint in the U.S. Marine Corps before becoming a playwright. He later graduated from Yale School of Drama.

Hudson has appeared in countless TV shows and movies since. His roles includes Solomon in "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle," Sergeant Albrecht in "The Crow," Captain Munro Kelly in "Congo," Sandra Bullock's superior Harry McDonald in "Miss Conegeniality," and Warden Leo Gynn in "Oz."

He also had a recurring role in the final season of "Law & Order" as the boyfriend and then fiance of Lt. Anita Van Buren, and appeared as Dr. Fields in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." Furthermore, he was Detective Ridley in "Desperate Housewives." He has several more projects lined up. less

Hudson has appeared in countless TV shows and movies since. His roles includes Solomon in "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle," Sergeant Albrecht in "The Crow," Captain Munro Kelly in "Congo," Sandra Bullock's ... more

Photo: Albert L. Ortega, Getty

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At 68, Hudson continues to appear at pop culture and comic conferences on behalf of "Ghostbusters."

At 68, Hudson continues to appear at pop culture and comic conferences on behalf of "Ghostbusters."

Photo: Paul Warner, Getty

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Sigourney Weaver's breakout role came as Ellen Ripley in 1979's "Alien."

She followed that success by starring alongside Mel Gibson in "The Year of Living Dangerously" (1982) and then playing Dana Barrett in "Ghostbusters." less

Sigourney Weaver's breakout role came as Ellen Ripley in 1979's "Alien."

She followed that success by starring alongside Mel Gibson in "The Year of Living Dangerously" (1982) and then playing Dana Barrett in ... more

Photo: Terry O'Neill, Getty

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Weaver, 64, has continued a prolific career, starring in the "Ghostbusters" and "Alien" sequels.

She went on to win two Golden Globes in a single year in 1988, winning best supporting actress for "Working Girl" and best actress for "Gorillas in the Mist." Other critically acclaimed roles included her turns in "The Ice Storm," "A Map of the World," "Prayers for Bobby" and "Avatar."

Weaver, 64, has continued a prolific career, starring in the "Ghostbusters" and "Alien" sequels.

She went on to win two Golden Globes in a single year in 1988, winning best supporting actress for "Working Girl" ... more

Photo: Desiree Navarro, Getty

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Rick Moranis -- Louis Tully -- got his start on the Canadian "Second City Television," where he became known for his impressions of Woody Allen and George Carlin, among others. There, he developed the character Bob McKenzie, which later made a turn in the movie "Strange Brew."

"Ghostbusters" was one of his first films. Aykroyd wrote the character with John Candy in mind, but Candy turned down the role. less

Rick Moranis -- Louis Tully -- got his start on the Canadian "Second City Television," where he became known for his impressions of Woody Allen and George Carlin, among others. There, he developed the character ... more

Photo: NBC, Getty

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Moranis, now 61, went on to star in "Spaceballs," "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Flintstones" (as Barney Rubble) and the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" trilogy.

He retired from film acting about 1997. After his wife died of breast cancer in 1991, he struggled to balance a film career with single fatherhood. He has since lent his voice to animated films and shows and released a comedy album last year. less

Moranis, now 61, went on to star in "Spaceballs," "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Flintstones" (as Barney Rubble) and the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" trilogy.

You may remember her from the '80s TV comedy "Designing Women" (pictured). She also had a supporting role in "Pretty in Pink" and went on to nab acclaimed TV roles in "Love & War" and "Any Day Now."

You may remember her from the '80s TV comedy "Designing Women" (pictured). She also had a supporting role in "Pretty in Pink" and went on to nab acclaimed TV roles in "Love & War" and "Any Day Now."

Photo: Fotos International, Getty

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Potts, now 61, also voiced Bo Peep in "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2." She continues to guest star in several TV shows, most recently in "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Fosters."

Potts, now 61, also voiced Bo Peep in "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2." She continues to guest star in several TV shows, most recently in "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Fosters."

Photo: NBC NewsWire, Getty

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William Atherton played Walter Peck, the EPA agent who shuts down the Ghostbusters' operation.

He started out as a stage actor, but gained attention playing in Steven Spielberg's film debut, "The Sugarland Express" and the 1978 TV miniseries, "Centennial." less

William Atherton played Walter Peck, the EPA agent who shuts down the Ghostbusters' operation.

He started out as a stage actor, but gained attention playing in Steven Spielberg's film debut, "The Sugarland ... more

Photo: Michael Ochs Archives, Getty

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Atherton would soon play in "Real Genius" and act as the intrusive, cocky reporter in "Die Hard" and its first sequel.

He has since racked up a prolific resume, including "The Pelican Brief," "Bio-Dome," "The Last Samurai," "Desperate Housewives," "Boston Legal," "Law & Order" and "Monk," among several others. He was also cast in the final season of "Lost." At 66, he continues to work in film and TV. less

Atherton would soon play in "Real Genius" and act as the intrusive, cocky reporter in "Die Hard" and its first sequel.

He has since racked up a prolific resume, including "The Pelican Brief," "Bio-Dome," "The ... more

Photo: Jean Baptiste Lacroix, Getty

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David Margulies played the mayor compelled to let the Ghostbusters out of jail when New York City fell under the siege of Gozer the Gozerian. He started out as a stage actor.

David Margulies played the mayor compelled to let the Ghostbusters out of jail when New York City fell under the siege of Gozer the Gozerian. He started out as a stage actor.

Photo: Jessica Burstein, Getty

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In addition to several TV credits, Margulies went on to appear in "9-1/2 Weeks" and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective." He also appeared in four episodes of "Law & Order" and eight episodes of "The Sopranos" -- the latter role being Tony Soprano's lawyer, Neil Mink. less

In addition to several TV credits, Margulies went on to appear in "9-1/2 Weeks" and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective." He also appeared in four episodes of "Law & Order" and eight episodes of "The Sopranos" -- ... more

Photo: Walter McBride, Getty

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Musician Ray Parker Jr. saw the peak of his commercial success with the "Ghostbusters" single for the movie soundtrack.

The song spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard chart in 1984, only to be knocked off by Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You."

The song also was nominated for an Academy Award for best original song, but was again beat out by Wonder's track.

The neon-filled music video for the song, in which Parker plays a ghost, featured a slew of '80s celebrities, including Chevy Chase, Irene Cara, John Candy, Melissa Gilbert, Ollie E. Brown, Jeffrey Tambor, George Wendt, Al Franken, Danny DeVito, Carly Simon, Peter Falk and Teri Garr. less

Musician Ray Parker Jr. saw the peak of his commercial success with the "Ghostbusters" single for the movie soundtrack.

The song spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard chart in 1984, only to be knocked ... more

Photo: Michael Ochs Archives, Getty

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Parker wrote the "Ghostbusters" rap that Run-D.M.C. performed for the movie's sequel.

His most recent album was released in 2006, "I'm Free." He has since earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Parker wrote the "Ghostbusters" rap that Run-D.M.C. performed for the movie's sequel.

His most recent album was released in 2006, "I'm Free." He has since earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Photo: David Livingston, Getty

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30 years later, 'Ghostbusters' scares up laughs with rerelease

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Los Angeles -- "Ghostbusters" director Ivan Reitman came up with the seminal tagline "Coming to Save the World This Summer" for the film's prerelease poster as a way of "focusing that this movie is perhaps larger than you expect."

The quirky horror comedy starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis about a group of university parapsychologists who open a ghost removal service was one of the blockbuster hits the summer of 1984. "Ghostbusters" has grossed almost $300 million worldwide, earned two Oscar nominations - for visual effects and original song - spawned 1989's "Ghostbusters II," two animated TV series and several video games.

But in a recent phone interview, Reitman acknowledged that "there was very little expectation of the movie by all prognosticators, there were prognosticators in 1984, even though there are far less now," he said, laughing. "It was one of those movies that was pretty low on the focus list. So I was trying to do something that at least indicated that perhaps there was going to be something special going on, and the idea of saving the world wasn't such a common idea - now the world gets saved primarily by Marvel."

For its 30th anniversary, Sony Pictures Entertainment is re-releasing "Ghostbusters" in more than 700 locations in the United States and Canada on Friday for a weeklong engagement. And the new digital restoration of the film arrives on Blu-ray Sept. 16. The anniversary edition will also include "Ghostbusters II" and a figurine of one of the most popular ghosts from the film, Slimer.

With an original story idea by Aykroyd, "Ghostbusters" came together rather quickly. The first time Reitman met Aykroyd at Art's Delicatessen in Studio City to discuss the comedy was May 1983; the film was released just 13 months later.

"Dan Aykroyd wrote this amazing outline that was originally intended for John Belushi and he to star in," Reitman said. About a year "after John passed, Aykroyd sent it to me and thought I would be an appropriate director to put him and Bill Murray together. It took place in the future in outer space, and there were all sorts of teams of ghostbusters fighting each other."

The director brought in Ramis, with whom he had worked on "Animal House," "Meatballs" and "Stripes," and the three wrote a draft at Aykroyd's house in Martha's Vineyard.

On the first day of production, Reitman recalled, "I was on the streets of Manhattan shooting with the four guys. Seeing them in full regalia, I just had this special feeling. I thought, 'This looks so unusual and wonderful, I think this can work.' "

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